Pet Loss Grief

April 18, 2019

Most
of us have endured the pain of losing a beloved pet at some point in
life and depending upon the type of relationship we had with our pet it
will undoubtably measure how much pain we suffer after the loss. Some
people develop a profound bond over time with their pet, while others
may just enjoy having them around and usually recover from grief rather
quickly. They may even replace their deceased pet right away to help
them cope and move on from the grieving process more quickly. Everyone
has their own unique way of coping with pet loss.

The loss of a
special animal companion can leave devastating heartache and most people
will suffer in silence out of fear of not being taken seriously just
because the loss was not a human loss. There are many people today in
situations where their pets mean everything to them just like any human
being could. Many have been let down by those around them therefore
turning to an animal for unconditional love and company and as a
confidante. This is quite normal as animals have qualities our fellow
humans do not seem to indicate.

Companion animals have now become
an accepted part of our family and when a pet passes away we feel that
as such. I lost my pet lizard just one year ago, and the pain I felt was
so immense I didn’t want to go on anymore. I felt the best thing I
could do for myself and on behalf of my deceased pet was to write about
pet grief loss and become a “Pet Loss Counsellor,” in which I have only
started studying at an online college. The bond I had with my pet lizard
was very profound indeed.

Our pets or as I prefer to call them
“family members” teach us so much about ourselves if we are open to
allowing them to educate us. Even after they pass into spirit the
lessons themselves are more vivid and real. Heartbreaking grief over the
loss of a pet is not something to hide or be ashamed of. Pets are our
family and we grieve for them in that way. There are groups you can join
on social media such as Facebook. This gives grieving pet carer’s a
chance to express their grief in a safe and non judgemental social
environment